Where Are They Now: Chris Lucketti

Former Halifax Town defender, Chris Lucketti was a regular at the Shay between 1991 and 1993. We look at his career since leaving West Yorkshire.

Lucketti made 78 appearances for the Shaymen during his two years with the club, being accredited with two goals in the process. This was just the start of a long career for the centre-half, who eventually made his Premiership debut at the age of 35.

Following Lucketti’s two-year spell with Town, he moved to Lancashire for a lengthy period with Bury, where he also achieved back to back promotions in 1995/97 and 1996/97.

Whilst with the Manchester club, Lucketti made an impressive 235 appearances, making him something of a cult hero under Stan Ternant’s management. Chris, himself would return to Gigg Lane during the 2017/18 season for a brief spell at the helm, however an overall dismal season saw the Shakers relegated to League Two.

Moving from a memorable playing career with Bury, Lucketti came back to Yorkshire for a relatively short time with Huddersfield Town. During his 76 appearances for the Terriers, the defender scored twice, with his solitary league goal coming against Crystal Palace.

As Chris Lucketti’s spell at Huddersfield came to and end in 2001, Preston North End were waiting in the wings to snap him up. His spell at Deepdale was deemed a huge success.

He built strong bonds with Claude Davis and Youl Mawene in defence which helped the club reach the Championship play-off final in Cardiff where they unfortunately fell to defeat at the final hurdle.

In January 2007, Lucketti made his Premiership debut for Sheffield United against Portsmouth. His only goal for the Blades came in a League Cup tie against MK Dons in August later in the year.

His spell at Bramall Lane turned out slightly disappointing, particularly when Brian Robson came in as manager. Chris joined Southampton for a loan spell in 2008 in search of more game time.

As Lucketti’s playing career was nearing its end, he returned to then League One side, Huddersfield where he was immediately made captain. He was dismissed in a league match against Peterborough United with his final appearance for the club coming in a 1-1 draw with Stockport County.

The popular figure is now Assistant Manager at the optimistic Salford City who reached the Football League for the first time in the 2018/19 season, defeating AFC Fylde in the Vanarama National League Play-off final at Wembley.